Citizenship by Investment Programs

Citizenship by Investment programs provide a legal and direct pathway to obtain a second passport through a qualifying economic contribution.

Discover CBI Programs

Types of Citizenship by Investment Programs

Citizenship by Investment schemes typically include:

National Development Fund contributions
Approved real estate investments
Government bonds or strategic projects
Each program is defined by law and administered by the host government.

Benefits of Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship by Investment creates a powerful set of opportunities for individuals and families who want to stay globally mobile and future-proof their lives:

A legally recognised second nationality that gives you real freedom of movement.

A globally respected passport that reduces visa friction for business and travel.

The ability to protect your family’s long-term security across generations.

More options when it comes to international banking and financial planning.

Flexibility to live, work, or relocate without being tied to a single jurisdiction.

A safeguard against political, economic, or regulatory shifts in your home country.

A practical way to diversify personal, professional, and lifestyle risk globally.

Citizenship vs Residency by Investment

When exploring international mobility and second-country options, it is important to understand the difference between Citizenship by Investment and Residency by Investment. Both are government-approved pathways that allow individuals and families to secure legal status in another country through qualifying investments, but they offer very different rights, timelines, and long-term outcomes.

Citizenship by Investment provides full nationality and a second passport. Through a direct naturalisation process established by law, applicants receive citizenship within a matter of months after completing due diligence and making the required investment. This gives them the same legal status as any other citizen of the country, including the right to travel visa-free, own property without restrictions, open international bank accounts more easily, and pass citizenship to their children. No physical residence, language exams, or relocation are required, making CBI one of the most efficient tools for securing global mobility and long-term family protection.

Residency by Investment, by contrast, grants the right to live in a country rather than immediate citizenship. Applicants receive a residence permit through real estate purchases, business investments, or government contributions, allowing them to live, work, and access local services in the host country. However, residency must usually be maintained through renewals and, in many cases, physical presence. While some residency programs offer a path to citizenship in the future, this typically involves years of residence and additional legal and integration requirements.

From a strategic point of view, Citizenship by Investment is ideal for individuals who want a second passport, greater travel freedom, and an international safety net without relocating their lives. Residency by Investment is better suited for those who plan to physically move, establish tax residency, or build a lifestyle and business base in a specific country.

In simple terms, Citizenship by Investment delivers citizenship and a passport upfront, while Residency by Investment provides a route to live abroad with the possibility of naturalising later. At NTL Trust, we help clients choose the structure that best aligns with their personal, financial, and global strategy.

Who Should Consider Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship by Investment is designed for individuals and families who want to secure long-term global freedom, stability, and strategic flexibility. It is particularly well suited for:

High net worth individuals seeking to diversify geopolitical and financial risk by holding more than one nationality, ensuring their wealth and family are not tied to a single country’s political or economic environment.
Families who want to secure future opportunities for their children, including international education, residence rights, and the ability to live and work in multiple jurisdictions through inherited citizenship.
Professionals and investors from regions with political, economic, or regulatory instability who need a legally protected “Plan B” that guarantees mobility, safety, and continuity regardless of local conditions.
Global citizens and frequent travellers who value the convenience of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to key business and lifestyle destinations without the restrictions imposed by a single passport.
Individuals focused on long-term asset and legacy planning who want to ensure their citizenship and mobility options can be passed on to future generations as part of a broader international strategy.

Citizenship by Investment is not about relocation. It is about building a permanent layer of protection, mobility, and opportunity that supports your life and wealth no matter where you choose to live.

Explore Citizenship by Investment Programs by Country

Explore our country guides to learn more about individual Citizenship by Investment programs around the world. Each page breaks down the qualification criteria, required investment routes, key benefits, and application process, so you can clearly compare options and choose the citizenship pathway that fits your global strategy.

Aerial view of a coastal landscape with lush green hills, a heart-shaped lagoon, and turquoise waters.

Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is currently the most competitive program for larger families, a family of 6 or more members can apply under one investment.

Argentina

Argentina’s first Citizenship by Investment program, offering one of South America’s strongest passports for qualified investors.

Person snorkeling underwater between two coral-covered rock formations.

Dominica

The Commonwealth of Dominica’s citizenship by investment program is a great option for single applicants with a starting amount of US$ 200,000.

Distant mountain under a pink and orange sunset sky with a dark, wooded foreground.

El Salvador

El Salvador offers the world’s first Bitcoin-based citizenship program, granting a passport in just 6–8 weeks with a US$1 million contribution.

Aerial view of a tropical beach with turquoise water, palm trees, and white sand.

Grenada

Grenada offers great options for higher education: St George’s University offers an acclaimed medical program, one that is the top provider of first year medical residents in the USA for nine years in a row.

Nauru

The latest addition to citizenship by investment programs, Nauru offers a straightforward path to citizenship ideal for large families with the possibility of acquiring citizenship in 3-4 months.

São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe offers one of the world’s most efficient and affordable citizenship programs, with approval in as little as six weeks.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone offers one of Africa’s fastest and most flexible citizenship programs, with approvals in 60–90 days and broad family eligibility.

Boat floating on calm blue water near rocky coastline with mountain in the background.

St. Kitts & Nevis

St Kitts & Nevis’ program was the first of its kind, and maintains its place as the Platinum Standard brand. The starting investment amount is US$250,000.

Sailboats anchored in a tranquil, blue bay lined with palm trees and lush greenery.

St. Lucia

St. Lucia citizenship by investment program is the most versatile option, opportune for single applicants as well as families. It’s the only program that offers an investment route of government bonds.

Türkiye

Türkiye’s citizenship by investment program offers great options for relocation, a world power bridging Europe and Asia economically, politically and culturally.

Tropical coastline with lush greenery meets clear turquoise waters.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program is probably the fastest in the world, offering a possibility of 1-2 months to acquire citizenship with several attractive investment options.

Common Questions About Citizenship by Investment (FAQ)

How long does the Citizenship by Investment process usually take?
Processing times depend on the country and the specific program, but most Citizenship by Investment applications are completed within 3 to 6 months from submission to passport issuance. Some jurisdictions offer accelerated processing options, while others follow a standard government review and due diligence timeline.
What is the minimum investment required for Citizenship by Investment?
Minimum contribution levels vary by country. Entry-level Citizenship by Investment programs typically start from around US$100,000 for a single applicant, while programs that include real estate or larger family packages may require higher amounts. All investments are set by law and paid directly to government-approved funds or projects.
Do I need to live in the country to obtain or keep my citizenship?
No. Most Citizenship by Investment programs do not require physical residence before or after approval. Applicants are not required to relocate, maintain a local address, or spend time in the country to keep their citizenship, making CBI a highly flexible global mobility solution.
Can my family be included in a Citizenship by Investment application?
Yes. Citizenship by Investment programs are designed to accommodate families. Most jurisdictions allow applicants to include a spouse, dependent children, and in many cases parents or grandparents. Some programs also allow adult children to be included if they meet financial dependency requirements.
Is Citizenship by Investment a legal and secure process?
Yes. Citizenship by Investment programs are established by national law and administered directly by government authorities. Each application goes through strict due diligence and background checks to ensure compliance, security, and international standards of transparency.

Trust and Credibility

At NTL Trust, integrity and compliance are at the heart of everything we do. All content, recommendations, and client guidance are based on verified legal frameworks, current regulations, and ongoing market analysis. Our team continuously monitors updates in global mobility laws, due diligence procedures, and investment policies to ensure every solution we present meets the highest international standards of transparency and accountability.

With over 30 years of experience in the investment migration industry, NTL Trust is recognized by governments, regulatory bodies, and professional partners for its commitment to ethical practice and client protection. We work exclusively with licensed programs and approved jurisdictions, ensuring every residency or citizenship pathway we recommend is legitimate, secure, and compliant with global due diligence protocols.

When you partner with NTL Trust, you gain not just access to opportunities, but the confidence that your second residency or citizenship journey is being managed by a trusted, government-recognized advisor with an impeccable record of professionalism and confidentiality.